So the American Idol Season 10 Top 6 took to the stage last night to perform the songs of Carole King and... sorry... we're already bored. But Carole King is a 4-time Grammy Winner who has written some of the greatest songs in history and blah-blah-de-blah! Whatever!! This is easily the most random of "theme nights" so far this season. There is simply no way to make Ms. King sound as exciting as "Elton John Night!" or "Beatles Night!" -- no, this was sliding right back into the BIG MISTAKE of Idol's ill-starred Kara DioGuardi era: SINGER/SONGWRITER. The concept of singer/songwriter may be great for making records but SUCKS for making interesting, entertaining television. In a singing competition.
So yeah, the increasingly weak field of competitors, as the hyper-texting teeny and tweeny boppers who control the show continue to vote off the best ones, dragged themselves up there and bleated out some songs, sort of. FYI - we're not even going to discuss the dreadful duets they made these poor kids deliver (James and Jacob? Ouch).
Jacob "I'm Sooooo Going Home Tonight" Lusk was dressed like a clown as he tried to "shake his tail feathers" to "Oh No Not My Baby" - he was actually pretty good for once. He didn't cry at the end - so that was an improvement.
Lauren "Lost Little Lamb" Alaina delivered the most boring, hokey performance to be seen on the Idol stage in years with her version of "Where You Lead". And this after yet another package solely focussed on trying to build up her confidence. We are TOTALLY sick of her nonsense. Time to step up or step out.
Scotty "Deep Throat" McCreery was pushed by Jimmy Iovine to try singing part of his song, "You've Got A Friend", a little higher - and it really worked for him. Not a memorable performance really, but the kid looks like a total pro out there.
James "Gonna Be A Huge Star" Durbin scaled himself back about 10 notches delivering a stand alone on stage without any flash or trash rendition of "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow". NOT the greatest of James' performances but once again very solid and showing his range of abilities to good effect.
Casey "Weird Beard" Abrams again growled out some stupid song no one knows or wants to know "Hi-De-Ho" while lurching around the stage awkwardly. The judges, of course, LOVED IT!!!
Haley "Sweet Growl" Reinhart totally nailed "Beautiful" with a little help on "getting" it from Jimmy and guest mentor Babyface. If only Haley had stronger stage presence and that ever elusive "star-quality" - she could be great. What a voice!
